Sunday, June 19, 2016

Reflection - Elisha and The Shunammite Woman (2)

Source Website: http://www.preachingplatform.org/sermons/unexpected-divine-appointments
Posted by Palitha Jayasooriya (The Preaching Platform)


The Shunammite Woman's great faith in God through His instrument on earth, Elisha, was rewarded again years later, after a seven year famine.
PHOTO: The Shunammite Woman's great faith in God through His instrument on earth, Elisha, was rewarded again years later, after a seven year famine.  Elisha had warned her to move her family wherever they could find food.  After a seven year absence, when she returned, her lands and former house were restored to her and her son by the king, along with all retroactive proceeds from the land for the seven years she had been gone. (2 Kings 8:1-6)
Picture posted by Elena, Italy, Writer and cosplayer
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http://66.media.tumblr.com/13b57273619da5ad3ed7e96a08a4ea9b/tumblr_nu7nwxYcvY1s8je7eo1_1280.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/ddltokie/a-womans-beauty/


The story in 2 Kings 8, centers around a Shunammite lady who had been blessed by Elisha’s ministry. Not only was she blessed with the miracle of a child at an earlier date (2 Kings 4:17), but later, the now grown up son was raised from the dead by the power of God! (2 Kings 4:35)


Elisha Raising The Son Of The Shunammite Woman
PHOTO: Elisha Raising The Son Of The Shunammite Woman
The Shunammite woman’s heartfelt hospitality to Elisha and simple, sincere faith led to an amazing series of events. Elisha was certainly blessed. And God abundantly blessed the woman’s life during a difficult period in Israel. Still today, God often uses His people’s humble acts of service to bless both the giver and the receiver.
Painting by Benjamin West (1738 – 1820) - Elisha raises son of the woman of Shunem (1765)
Picture posted by Jacinto Somera, SlidePlayer.es Inc.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQHrE3xllqujRC1rK5uKOUj-TIURXLQdH9XPE4IrECNs2t93A7d4sRciY9_FksFOTeor3G5MFH77cHlqEG95SZmi4esxrotNr6pHLg8mKhwSe9lX-72otmIpIIyQeGcKJWWRLEYomxZk/s1600/slide_14-1.png
http://images.slideplayer.es/2/1034713/slides/slide_14.jpg
http://slideplayer.es/slide/1034713/
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/06/reflection-elisha-raising-son-of.html


Thereafter, on Elisha’s instructions, she had left her home & gone to Philistine territory to avoid a 7 year famine (2 Kings 8:1-2). Now that the famine was over, she had come back, 7 years later, only to find to her dismay, that the house & land no longer belonged to her. Some Bible commentators believe that the land had either been seized by the Government, or that someone may have encroached on the land & forcibly taken it over.


The Shunammite Woman - This notable, unnamed woman lived in the town of Shunem.  Her story is told in 2 Kings, chapter 4:8-37 and continued in chapter 8:1-6.
PHOTO: The Shunammite Woman - This notable, unnamed woman lived in the town of Shunem.  Her story is told in 2 Kings, chapter 4: 8-37 and continued in chapter 8: 1-6.
She had left her home & gone to Philistine territory to avoid a 7 year famine (2 Kings 8:1-2).
Picture posted by Jean Kimble - WOMEN’S STUDIES – DEFINING MOMENTS
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http://jeancarterkimbleart.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/The-Shunammite-Woman.jpg
http://jeancarterkimbleart.com/about-my-art/womens-studies-defining-moments/


In her desperation, this lady (with her son), went to see the King (2 Kings 8:3), hoping for a suitable answer; for maybe small mercies. Little did she know that God had prepared a ‘Divine Appointment’ for her, not only through meeting the King, but also by ‘unexpectedly’ meeting Gehazi, Elisha’s servant. (2 Kings 8:4)


In her desperation, this lady (with her son), went to see the King (2 Kings 8:3), hoping for a suitable answer; for maybe small mercies.
PHOTO: In her desperation, this lady (with her son), went to see the King (2 Kings 8:3), hoping for a suitable answer; for maybe small mercies.
Public Domain Clipart Collection #8
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzAH0G5XQTyqTPeE_rmA3nMtzC6ZFHebJj3ZiIOn4I2Bobwh8gLy_FmRZf_P8OxtDDIC1Z4Z19Fa9PTwX31AJbFv9bdducT2Ntx82oibGAjkD62laicqxfVSVxCQimGiDlRzUITxip1I/s1600/2+kings+6+-+26+the+king+of+israel+was+passing-1.png
http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart/2%20kings%206%20-%2026%20the%20king%20of%20israel%20was%20passing.jpg
http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart8.htm


It so happened that when she entered & cried unto the King (2 Kings 8:5), he was at that very moment having a ‘spiritual’ chat with Gehazi, about all the things Elisha had done (2 Kings 8:4-5) & it so happened, that at that very moment, Gehazi was telling the King about how God, through Elisha, had raised this very same lady’s son from the dead (2 Kings 8:5)! Talk about ‘Divine Appointments’! The shocked King may have been speechless for a while!


It so happened that when she entered & cried unto the King (2 Kings 8:5), he was at that very moment having a ‘spiritual’ chat with Gehazi, about all the things Elisha had done (2 Kings 8:4-5) & it so happened, that at that very moment, Gehazi was telling the King about how God, through Elisha, had raised this very same lady’s son from the dead (2 Kings 8:5)!
PHOTO: It so happened that when she entered & cried unto the King (2 Kings 8:5), he was at that very moment having a ‘spiritual’ chat with Gehazi, about all the things Elisha had done (2 Kings 8:4-5) & it so happened, that at that very moment, Gehazi was telling the King about how God, through Elisha, had raised this very same lady’s son from the dead (2 Kings 8:55)!
Painting by Pino (Italian artist) - "Esther", Canvas Giclee - 40x32
Posted by West End Gallery
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g5PSmgsJSF439Usm2uSz2ZKoqbA6h6YPfG1URI1eOTZR8_L16blqr2f0rjSDe618gDiKp675bcLoeU61bpaqftd7BhL0q_ZpOGCMwm80IxtJkPXpgMpnF6MbbPCmDat3AJUnBxDhyphenhyphenmc/s1600/pino_esther_40x32.jpg
http://www.westendframing.com/pino_images/pino_esther_40x32.jpg
http://www.westendframing.com/collection_pino.html


The King in his surprise then asked the lady whether this was true & she affirmed it (2 Kings 8:6). After all, there’s nothing better than a first hand account! It was truly an ‘Unexpected Divine Appointment’ & the end result was that she not only got her house & land back, but also the income from the land for the past 7 years! I wonder whether any bank has that kind of payback scheme!


The Shunammite Woman not only got her house & land back, but also the income from the land for the past 7 years!
PHOTO: The Shunammite Woman not only got her house & land back, but also the income from the land for the past 7 years!
Painting by Pino (Italian artist) - "Esther", Canvas Giclee
Picture posted by John Manderscheid on 12 October 2015 at 7:00 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrp32SkzDG6V4nLdU8zj-w9EqKdQHmhGf8WmjkWikDWuM0u7f84fGOJ70Mg05VtRmXjJwoZJQ2LHydiyc4O_8vqgFp7mdTPBwbacj29_g7Aig5FKlBssXk864Qe0PgPvMI0pGdvpc8D-U/s1600/iranpic-1.png
http://www.joegrabowski.com/uploads/5/9/2/6/5926618/iranpic.jpg
http://www.iiculture.org/details.asp?idOfEvent=503


In life, God sends many unexpected people across our path. We meet them in supermarkets, concerts, funerals social functions etc. Many times, we may consider such meetings as irrelevant or even as irritants to our busy schedule. But, could it be many times that God is sending them to us unexpectedly, as a ‘Divine Appointment’, either as a blessing for them, or, maybe even for us, as it happened for the lady in 2 Kings 8? Such meetings are also blessed opportunities to share the Gospel.


In life, God sends many unexpected people across our path. We meet them in supermarkets, concerts, funerals social functions etc. God is sending them to us unexpectedly, as a ‘Divine Appointment’, either as a blessing for them, or, maybe even for us, as it happened for the lady in 2 Kings 8.
PHOTO: In life, God sends many unexpected people across our path. We meet them in supermarkets, concerts, funerals social functions etc. God is sending them to us unexpectedly, as a ‘Divine Appointment’, either as a blessing for them, or, maybe even for us, as it happened for the lady in 2 Kings 8.
Picture posted by Stacy Liberatore on 24 February 2016 at 23:44 GMT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OQZRhBuan6tYeehVkmWoqPd835DmV2AyAr6jB0WU8q6GB3Agd_gbuiLoGXcqF-q0rQooLXOYzT2nkx8pv-ABgLEvqBEsv-rDRou3bjVctKfv4BcESFfYWVBQmJabu_ZMGDBGsO9x1zg/s1600/25_1456348734994-1.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/02/24/21/3186AC5C00000578-3462635-In_the_book_Seppala_describes_happiness_as_an_unexpected_path_to-m-25_1456348734994.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3462635/You-really-calm-carry-Researchers-reveal-six-things-say-happy-successful.html


Illustration: I once received an unexpected call from an unknown person, who was not a believer, who wanted to meet me immediately. It was a Saturday afternoon & since Sunday was a busy day, I was looking forward to a time of rest, before preparing for the Sunday. I was therefore not too keen to meet anyone at that time (shame on me!), & tried my best to encourage him to see me the following day at church, after service. However, since he kept insisting, I had to forget about my rest time & meet up with him. As he entered, his first words, said roughly were, ‘I want to know about the Lord Jesus’! Sensing then that this was a ‘Divine Appointment', I began to share the Gospel with him. After I finished, this tough looking guy was more than willing to open his heart to the Lord. He soon started attending all the services & bible studies & grew in his faith, being mentored by one of our Pastors. After attending Bible College he answered a call to the missions field. Today, having initially been involved in the underworld, he now serves in the missions world, thanks to an ‘Unexpected Divine Appointment!’


Whether we are faced with an unexpected meeting or going through an unexpected crisis, an unexpected delay or an unexpected change of plan, God may just be preparing us for a ‘Divine Appointment’.
PHOTO: Whether we are faced with an unexpected meeting or going through an unexpected crisis, an unexpected delay or an unexpected change of plan, God may just be preparing us for a ‘Divine Appointment’.
Picture posted by Penguin on 19 July 2011 at 11:39 am - Beautiful Bluebird Resting in Blooming Flowers
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yILpkADzIoDnQnBmKRZ7bQhXszwVxgHDZ8QeiXSfwY7tGsKp3AgJeUtjmt0SmkUQyyif1ZkkgKOtT6-W6vo7ImS3Ih_NbHbI38R5Z6vsZSnvjHY-6VL-uHC1IQZBzvO3QjLnhAL9_W8/s1600/adorable-bluebird-in-blooming-pink-flowers.jpg
http://www.acuteaday.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/adorable-bluebird-in-blooming-pink-flowers.jpg
http://www.acuteaday.com/blog/tag/spring-scene/


So, whether you’re faced with an unexpected meeting or going through an unexpected crisis, an unexpected delay or an unexpected change of plan, God may just be preparing you for a ‘Divine Appointment’. Trust Him through every season of your walk of faith.

Let me close with a quote the Lord impressed into my heart.
“Any unexpected situation can be a ‘Divine Appointment’. Any ‘Divine Appointment’ will bring divine blessing”.


Any unexpected situation can be a ‘Divine Appointment’. Any ‘Divine Appointment’ will bring divine blessing
PHOTO: “Any unexpected situation can be a ‘Divine Appointment’. Any ‘Divine Appointment’ will bring divine blessing”.
Picture posted by William Vanderdasson - Bluebird 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31JtOq0UNPaqbg10gGdypo62dYSkRpzAPUzIMHWgwVvSk_3IFyfDXI1CxdSgSlI28r4KqrIwrJnumRq30c2umHAIYeioMYRAwzjOz3TaqgORhByjvFJbDw5vF2ugHzd2YJDb73UWDmus/s1600/1672030-1280x768-%255BDesktopNexus.com%255D.jpg 
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, We pray that we do not consider unexpected meetings as irrelevant or even as irritants to our busy schedule. Please have such meetings as blessed opportunities to live a life that is pleasing to You.
Please help us to trust You through every season in our walk of faith even when in time of intense difficulty or danger. Amen!"
Painting by Rembrandt van Rijn - The flight into Egypt (1627)
Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch 1606-1669) Baroque painter, draftsman, teacher, etcher & printmaker.
Picture posted by ArtSunLight Corporation
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http://www.artsunlight.com/artist-photo/Rembrandt-van-Rijn/the-flight-into-egypt-by-Rembrandt-van-Rijn-367.jpg
http://www.artsunlight.com/artist-NR/N-R0009-Rembrandt-van-Rijn/N-R0009-367-the-flight-into-egypt.html

Posted by Palitha Jayasooriya (The Preaching Platform)



Reference
[1] An unexpected meeting can become a divine appointment, Posted by Palitha Jayasooriya (The Preaching Platform), http://www.preachingplatform.org/sermons/unexpected-divine-appointments

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2 Kings 4:8-37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+4%3A+8-37&version=NIV

2 Kings 4:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+4%3A17&version=NIV

2 Kings 4:35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+4%3A35&version=NIV

2 Kings 8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A1-2&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:1-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A1-6&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A3&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A4&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:4-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A4-5&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A5&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A6&version=NIV
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